Yes, it's that time again boys and girls - Yankees v. Red Sox.

But the Yankees are without a couple of their horses, yet again.

Jason Giambi as got himself a mysterious ailment. I say mysterious because Matt Watson has a theory. He'll be out for three weeks or as the New York Post believes the rest of the season. It is a bit curious. Shortly after he gets in trouble with the commish, the Yankees talk of voiding his contract and he suddenly finds himself on the DL. Hmm?

I'm also a bit surprised that Roger Clemens is not going to pitch during this three-game series.

Isn't this the whole reason New York went to get him? Well, Bob Raissman and I think so. He also highlights the soap opera surrounding New York.

I guess the pressure would be too much for him. Or when they lost, the team's morale could be harmed. As if it can be any more harmed.

The Boston Herald speculates that Clemens and the Yankees both want out of their deal.

I'm sure the Yankees would want out, but Clemens? Why? He's getting the big bucks. Only needs to show up every fifth day. What does he care?

That team has no unity, no motivation.

Love him or hate him, Gary Sheffield was a unifier for that team. He was the guy getting them all fired up. Now he's with Detroit and look at the Tigers.

Who is the Yankees true leader? Derek Jeter certainly is a great player and says all the right things, but he seems too soft.

Giambi is in so much hot water, no one can take him seriously.

Clemens will be there every fifth day, so how much can he contribute.

A-Rod? Give me a break, no one likes A-Rod. When we get a shot of him he's usually sitting alone or with the rookies. That is, when he's not with some blonde bombshell - who's not his wife apparently. The media hounds are all speculating he'll be gone after the season anyway. Some say he's heading to San Fran, others Chicago and still others think Anaheim will be his new home. Either way, no ones listening to A-Rod.

Matsui? Again good ballplayer, but there is a certain cultural difference.

Cano? Abreu? Mussina? Rivera? Torre? Anyone, Bueller?

One could make a case for Jorge Posada.

He's on a tear (.370, last I checked with power to boot). He can handle the pitching staff, now that Randy Johnson is gone. He's a good cheerleader and he's vocal. But I haven't seen it yet.

Conversely, the Red Sox have several leaders in the clubhouse. The players can look to someone (with exception to Manny and Drew) for advice, support.

Mike Timlin, given.

Curt Schilling, given.

Varitek, they don't call him the Captain for nothing.

Ortiz, they don't call him Big Papi for nothing.

Alex Cora, he's so good he'll be a manager before too long; it runs in the family.

The list goes on.

You can look at all the stats you want, but leadership contributes the most to success. It's the true difference maker.

The Yankees just don't have it.

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